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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,440 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,445 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,523 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,412 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,315 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $78,923 | $37.94 | +2.1% |
| 2025 | $77,321 | $37.17 | +1.6% |
| 2024 | $76,125 | $36.60 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $74,246 | $35.70 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $72,447 | $34.83 | +3.8% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 961,939 | 203 | 21% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 775 | 14% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 432 | 14% |
| 4 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 416 | 14% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 259 | 13% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 897 | 12% |
| 7 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,120 | 11% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,019 | 11% |
| 9 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 545 | 11% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 120 | 11% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,316 | 10% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 612 | 10% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 550 | 10% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 101 | 10% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 645 | 9% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 542 | 9% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 179 | 9% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 66 | 9% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,166 | 8% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 137 | 8% |
University of Baltimore
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Pacific Lutheran University
SUNY Buffalo State

Pennsylvania State University
Mars Hill University
Regent University

Albright College

Marian University - Indianapolis
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: When starting your career in counseling psychology, look for opportunities to diversify your practice wherever possible. For example, even if you are working full-time in some sort of mental health context as a psychologist, look for opportunities to take on additional, smaller pieces of work that branch outside of your primary work responsibilities. This may include adjunct teaching or serving as a clinical supervisor in a doctoral training program, consulting with human resources or executive recruiting firms, or many other types of industry that would benefit with the expertise and skills you have as a counseling psychologist.
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Two of the most important skills for counseling psychologists in the near future will be leadership and interprofessional collaboration skills. With more proliferation of Master's-level mental health clinicians, doctoral-level counseling psychologists will be called upon perhaps less to provide direct services to individual clients, but more to be leaders in the field. This leadership may include overseeing and supervising other clinicians, running larger mental health departments or organizations, or providing thought leadership to design programs. With more innovation occurring in the mental health space broadly, and more companies working to capitalize on the fact that the mental health field is currently not meeting the broader societal needs, counseling psychologists are poised to collaborate with professionals in other fields (such as engineers, AI specialists, etc.) to ensure that these innovations are ethical and truly beneficial.
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Graduates in counseling psychology have a great number of different skills, and they shouldn't limit themselves to traditional clinical practice settings only. The doctoral degree in counseling psychology--and the license as a psychologist--allows these professionals to practice in many different areas. The most obvious ones, such as private practice clinical work, doing clinical work in clinics and hospitals, or going into academia as researchers and faculty, are a great fit for many graduates. However, all the skills gained in a doctoral program in counseling psychology transfer seamlessly to many other areas and industries, as understanding human behaviors, emotional development, and wellness are applicable widely.
Madeline Stenersen: There are several specific things people can do to maximize salary but it will depend on which area of the field you are in. In the clinical are, ensuring that you're compensated at a Ph.D. level and if you are looking to maximize salary I would recommend looking into positions not only as a clinician but also into administrative positions like clinic director, program coordinator, etc. Assessment administration and getting on insurance boards can also increase compensation. In teaching/faculty positions I would recommend getting a research focused postdoc before going on the job market to stay competitive and then negotiating a salary consistent with the cost of living but also with what you know others at the institution make. These positions expect negotiation so go for higher than your ideal and come down if necessary. In adjunct positions there is little power to negotiate and I would recommend finding an institution that also provides other benefits such as access to the library, mentorship, etc.
Madeline Stenersen: Counseling Psychology in particular has seen a boom in it's popularity, relevance, and reputation in the field of psychology recently due to it's historical and large focus on ensuring students and practitioners are trained in inclusive, equitable practices, and encouraging advocacy efforts on the part of their students and graduates compared to other areas of psychology. Given the rise in mainstream societal recognition in inequities across the country these skills and way of thinking is desired in a job candidate and Counseling Psychology has been recognized for its experience in these areas. This, plus the growing popularity and need for therapeutic services for people in the United States make Counseling Psychology-specific clinical skills and experience especially prevalent. In 3-5 years I also believe skills in telehealth will prove particularly important as the world becomes more dependent on virtual health services.
Madeline Stenersen: I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field of counseling psychology is to explore and think broadly about all of the possibilities that this degree can bring. With a PhD in this field you can be a full time clinician, a teacher at a university, a director of a clinical center, a full time researcher, or any of the combination of the above! Because all of these opportunities can be exciting and scary at the same time I would recommend that they look to the people in the field that are doing the things that they would love to do and reach out! Don't be afraid to apply for jobs that may seem out of reach. Sometimes Counseling Psychology is compared to Clinical Psychology and students are told that Clinical Psychology positions are out of reach. This is simply not true. I have worked alongside Clinical Psychologists and other wonderful mental health providers throughout my career and currently am a faculty member in a Clinical Psychology program. The sky's the limit and it really is an opportune time for this degree as the field of psychology broadly recognizes the increasing need to focus on cultural humility, DEI, and cross-cultural work - practices that Counseling Psychology has focused on throughout the history of the field.
University of Baltimore
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
John Donahue Psy.D.: Continue to focus on training and development as a clinician. While requirements vary across states, newly licensed counselors will typically need to work under the supervision of a fully credentialed mental health professional, and this is a critical period in a clinician's development. When interviewing for positions, I strongly recommend asking questions about the nature and quality of clinical supervision that is provided. Also, is this a clinic or organization that seems to value training and growth? Do they provide group consultations, training seminars, perhaps funds for continuing education? These are indicators that an organization is committed to investing in their clinicians' development and improved outcomes for their clients.
John Donahue Psy.D.: Continue to focus on training and development as a clinician. While requirements vary across states, newly licensed counselors will typically need to work under the supervision of a fully credentialed mental health professional, and this is a critical period in a clinician's development. When interviewing for positions, I strongly recommend asking questions about the nature and quality of clinical supervision that is provided. Also, is this a clinic or organization that seems to value training and growth? Do they provide group consultations, training seminars, perhaps funds for continuing education? These are indicators that an organization is committed to investing in their clinicians' development and improved outcomes for their clients.
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Behavioral Science Department
Debra Frame Ph.D.: Staff psychologists provide inpatient psychological and outpatient clinical services, including assessments and diagnostic evaluations, interventions, and consultations. To qualify, individuals must have a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and licensure from the state where they are employed. Staff psychologists also need an understanding of state and federal laws and the ability to uphold professional legal and ethical standards and experience with clinical assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for a broad range of mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Unless otherwise noted, the ability to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups across all age ranges will make a job candidate stand out. Demonstrated experience in clinical and mental health assessment and preparing comprehensive psychological reports for various purposes will make an applicant more noticeable, especially when experience is from a site accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: How could there not? The pandemic will likely result in lasting changes to all facets of our lives. I think the pandemic will likely change the way that employers function and their expectations for employees. This might have some positive effects in that we know that people can be productive working remotely so more people may have access to that flexibility. On the other hand, we've learned that people really do need to have some in-person connection with others. Young graduates who are starting their careers will have the opportunity to reshape their working environment in meaningful ways, bringing the best of both worlds together.
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: I'm sure that, as a result of the pandemic, employers will be looking for employees who have the ability to effectively use remote work technology. Otherwise, I think young graduates will need the same set of general skills as employers have looked for in past years. They need to have excellent communication skills-both oral and written. They need to show initiative and a desire to learn; have effective time management and organizational skills; and they need to work well in team settings. For current students, these are skills that can be developed and demonstrated in both in-person and remote coursework. I think one skill that new graduates can demonstrate with the shift from in-person to remote learning is that they are able to adapt to challenging circumstances and continue to learn and grow as individuals.
SUNY Buffalo State
Department of Psychology
Dr. Robert P. Delprino: In psychology, the name of the game is typically to earn advanced degrees as a way to earn higher salaries. In time, salary will typically increase with experience. For a graduate beginning their career, a consideration in addition to salary should be the opportunities for growth and the development that a job provides. There are no guarantees that a degree will result in a certain salary. It is up to the individual to take advantage of opportunities provided and to create opportunities that will allow for a career that is both personally and financially rewarding.

Gina M. Brelsford Ph.D.: It is hard to tell what the enduring impact will be for current college students and graduate students. The economic challenges may pose difficulties in certain industries more than others. The upside of psychology graduate students and undergraduates is that they have skill sets that are highly desirable during and after this pandemic. Unfortunately, mental health needs are skyrocketing and will have a ripple effect for years to come. Thus, the need for both bachelor's level and master's level of psychological work will be more important than ever.
Mars Hill University
Department of Psychology, Art Therapy
Ann Peiffer Ph.D.: - Contact hours with client populations that match an agency's clients make one a natural fit for a company. Be sure to research the employer's client base and highlight the experience you have that matches. In addition to contact hours, consider your volunteer work and life experience as well.
- Be sure to gain exposure to billing insurance and office organization during your training.
- Grant writing is a definite skill to market with many non-profit agencies and would provide a stand-out item on the resume.
Ann Peiffer Ph.D.: -It will be a defining moment in the same vein as the 1918 influenza or WWI and WWII. Those who met this event in a growth mindset will adapt and pivot to position themselves for a changing employment market and ethos. Mental health is beginning to be discussed in broader terms, and the idea that you see someone to assist your thinking and processing of your life is becoming better accepted. I believe the enormous challenge for mental health professionals will be to discern life coaches' role and position compared to mental health counselors or therapists.
-Interruption of training and impact on contact hours will be a hardship for those most economically vulnerable. It will need to be addressed to enable those at the most significant economic risk to participate in the system. Unpaid internships only work for those financially secure enough to gain experience from a position with no pay.
Dr. Daniel Holland Ph.D.: The increasing awareness of the importance of mental health care, the widespread acceptance of the benefits of counseling, and the retirement rate among many providers will likely continue to create an increased need for counselors, no matter where one would like to practice.

Albright College
Psychology Department; Gable Health and Counseling Center
Brenda Ingram-Wallace Ph.D.: The most significant trend for counselors in the future will be to integrate technology into their clinical practice. Although telehealth has been around on a limited basis, the pandemic has forced everyone to become comfortable using it. Understanding the ethics surrounding telehealth will be necessary for anyone who plans to work directly with clients.
Brenda Ingram-Wallace Ph.D.: Interestingly, with the increase in telehealth, geography becomes less of an issue. There are initiatives already in the works to make it easier to work across state lines. Students must research the licensure requirements for the states where they desire to work and ensure that they gain all of the credentials for those states. A time is coming where geography limits will be less important than the breadth of knowledge and skills.

Dr. Laurel Camp Ph.D.: During the pandemic, technology has served a critical function to keep people connected to their job, friends, and family and provide a way to order food and supplies needed for daily life. From a psychological perspective, while technology allowed people to stay socially connected, many people crave shared experiences and a type of intimacy that only in-person contact can provide. In psychology, teletherapy will continue to be an essential option for people who have barriers that prevent them from getting mental health services and those who prefer the convenience of teletherapy.
Developers of technology communication will need to be even more creative in the future. Psychologists have noted that people are finding the monotony of interacting in the same remote ways, making them less motivated and socially engaged during video conferencing and chats. Some indicate that they now prefer a phone call or a handwritten letter because it seems more personal and intimate. However, even the best technology cannot provide the in-person contact that people, as social beings, need, so psychologists will need to help people navigate productive use of technology and safe, in-person connections.
Dr. Laurel Camp Ph.D.: I think that there will be an increase in demand for psychology graduates in the next five years. Psychology is a people-oriented major that flexibly adapts to a wide range of careers. Psychology majors tend to be good problem-solvers, communicators, adaptive learners, and good team workers. I think that the ability to apply these soft skills and an understanding of human behavior to diverse fields in medicine, law, politics, social services, business, and many other areas makes psychology graduates valuable in uncertain economic times.
Careers related to mental health are likely to see a massive increase in demand. Increased mental illness, mental fatigue, and emotional dysregulation leading to acts of violence are being seen in children, frontline workers, parents, and many other groups today. People in general report feeling overwhelmed, incompetent, and lonely. The pandemic and unhealthy political climate have also contributed to increased anxiety, depression, addictions, and family violence. Most psychology majors can think creatively (outside-the-box), take on leadership roles, gather, organize, and analyze data, communicate effectively with diverse people and through social media as they adjust to emerging jobs. It will be necessary for students to understand how their soft skills and experiences have prepared them for a specific job and communicate that to employers.